fishhook cactus

noun

1. a large cactus, Ferocactus wislizenii, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, having hooked spines and red or yellow flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fishhook cactus¹

An Americanism dating back to 1845–50

Example Sentences

Indians use the spines for fish-hooks, hence a common name, Fishhook Cactus, and the celebrated cactus candy is made from it.

From Project Gutenberg